Whispers of Avarice (Casa de Castillo 1)

Chapter 13

Triumph in Turmoil

Election day has finally dawned. After a week of vigorous campaigning, the moment has arrived to determine if our dedicated efforts will bear fruit. Despite the fatigue of the preceding days, the experience has been rewarding. The camaraderie with members of my party list was enjoyable. I didn't get too close to them because I am refraining from getting attached to others, but I can affirm that I truly relished my time with them.

Nakaupo ako ngayon sa shed kasama ang ibang miyembro ng aming partido. Pinapanood ko ang mga tao na nakapila para bumoto. I don't know how many classrooms were used for the election, but the morning class was suspended for it and will resume in the afternoon.

I can't help but feel nervous because I know the chances of winning are uncertain due to the recent issue. My credentials and background won't matter now to the students because of my tarnished reputation. Even though I've resolved that mess, victory is not guaranteed, as some students still believe I am a manipulator and a cheater.

Gaston broke through my thoughts. "Don't worry, you'll win."

As I gaze at Gaston, the pain in my heart lingers, but it's not as intense as before. I accepted what happened between us a while back. The current ache in my heart stems from witnessing how he transformed into the opposite of his former self. I'm uncertain whether this change is for the better or worse. The Gaston I see now is cold and seems to neglect love, far from the Gaston I loved before.

"Eat first. You haven't had anything since this morning. It's already 12:30 pm," he said, placing a water bottle and lunchbox beside me.

"Thanks, Yv—" napahinto ako ng maisip ang pangalan na muntik ko nang banggitin. "Thank you, Gaston."

Hindi na ito sumagot at tinalikuran na ako. Gaston is not just cold to me but to everyone. The caring and sweet man he was before transformed into someone with no emotions at all. It's challenging to witness this change in him. I hope that someday he heals from all his pain, and both of us find our own happiness.

Nakita ko mula sa hindi kalayuan si Keanu na naglalakad kasama si Karsyn at may dalang strawberry milk. Kahit saan ata ito magpunta ay may dala ito na strawberry milk. Kumaway ito sa akin nang makita ako na nakatingin sa kanila. Inirapan ko naman ito at umiwas ng tingin.

"Kaniel!" sigaw ni Karsyn at kumaway. "Sinabi ko sa mga babae ko kanina na iboto ka!"

"Sure win ka na gar! Iboboto ka ng lahat ng babae ko!" sigaw naman ni Keanu at sabay sila na nagtawanan ni Karsyn.

I just sighed at the noise they were making. They are truly the opposite of Kaniel, who is quiet and rarely talks. Luckily, Kaniel can handle the loudness of his two siblings. Despite the many years they've spent together since birth, he managed to endure the two.

"Taylah!" sigaw ni Keanu habang naglalakad patungo sa shed na kinaroroonan namin.

"Ang ingay mo," sabi ko pagdating niya sa amin at inirapan ito. "Naririnig sa buong campus boses mo."

"Hindi naman ah. Wala naman akong microphone."

Pinipilosopo pa talaga ako.

"Palunukin kaya kita ng microphone."

Ngumuso ito. "Inaaway mo nanaman ako, babe."

"Stop calling me babe."

Kinuha ko ang bottled water na binigay ni Gaston at binuksan. Uminom ako doon hanggang sa makalahati ang bote. Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang uhaw noong nakainom na ako ng tubig. Sa sobrang pag-iisip ko tungkol sa magiging resulta, hindi ko na napansin ang uhaw at gutom na nararamdaman ko.